Dogs are an important part of our lives. They give us so much love in terms of companionship, love and affection but, often times, new owners can forget how expensive they can be. There are many costs to be mindful of when it comes to adopting and having a dog at home.
A new survey suggests that pet ownership in the UK is soaring – and is set to continue to grow.
In the wake of lockdown and as the Government encourages us to increase our physical activity overall, 80% of dog owners say their dog keeps them physically active. Around 40% of all owners also say that, as lockdown restrictions are lifted, they will take their dogs for more frequent and longer walks.
But it’s not all good news, the RSPCA is bracing itself for a surge of abandoned dogs – according to a June 2020 Kennel Club survey of 2,622 dog owners, 15% of the people who bought puppies during lockdown admitted that they weren’t ready.
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, the cost of pet maintenance is number four of the top ten reasons someone gives up their dog. Each year, people around the world spend billions on pets, including their food, supplies, medication, veterinary care, and other services.
These figures aren’t meant to discourage people from adopting pets. They’re simply useful information to be aware of so we can make sure we aren’t breaking the bank while trying to provide everything our beloved dogs need.
So, with that being said, here are eight money saving tips for dog parents.
1. Consider Adoption
You can start saving money from the very beginning by choosing to adopt a dog instead of buying one from a breeder.
Buying a dog from a breeder will usually cost upwards of £1,000 at the very least, with prices rocketing during 2020. Choosing to adopt a dog will likely cost considerably less.
Shelters often run discount events, and some animals get sponsorships that cover the cost of adoption, too. Check your local shelter such as the Dog’s Trust to find out when discounted adoptions come up.
Not only will you save money, but you’ll also change the life of a dog in a shelter looking for a home.
2. Choose The Right Vet
When it comes to choosing a vet to oversee our pet’s health, we often like to go to the one closest to us. But it might be best to research and see which vets are available nearby who are also affordable for you.
Fees can vary widely, even if they’re located near each other.
Make sure to also research their payment and insurance policies, if available, that can help you bring down the cost.
3. Create A Budget For Your Pup
Even if you are on a tight budget, you know you need to track your spending and make sure you don’t overspend every month. Well the same can be done for your pup, as well.
Creating a monthly budget plan for your pet can help you and your wallet by tracking expenses and ultimately save money on dog ownership. That way, you’ll know when you can splurge on new toys and when you need to save up.
4. Groom Your Dog Yourself
It’s always important to make sure our dog is well groomed and clean. But deciding to go to a professional groomer can cost a lot.
The trip to the groomer’s can also add up depending how often you have to take your dog to them.
It might help to bathe and groom your dog yourself, between professional groomer visits. Not only is this cost effective for you as a pet parent, but you’ll also be able to bond with your dog while giving them a bath.
You can check out some cool grooming products here.
5. Keep Up With Dental Cleaning At Home
Just as brushing your teeth is important for your health, brushing your dog’s teeth is important for their health, too.
The best way to avoid a costly vet visit for dental care is to brush your dog’s teeth regularly and maintain good oral hygiene.
This will cut down on the need for a professional and also give a break to your bank account.
6. Stay Up to Date On Vaccinations And Parasite Prevention
It’s always a good idea to deal with things now that can potentially cause problems later. One of those things is making sure your dog is up to date with their vaccinations and parasite prevention.
These will help prevent diseases and infestations from the fleas, ticks, worms, and other parasites that carry them. If you would prefer to avoid nasty chemicals, WiserPet has a range of natural products for flea and tick prevention.
Prevention is better than cure and it’s usually cheaper in the long run than having to deal with a major disease or heartworms that will cost even more down the road.
7. Be A Savvy Shopper
Whenever we bring a new dog home, we know they’re going to need dog gear, such as collars, leashes, beds, and so forth. Sometimes we’ll just head to the nearest pet shop and collect all of it, which quickly adds up.
But before you spend all your hard-earned money, make sure you do your due diligence and look at the best deals. You can also price match and check other pet stores for cheaper options or sales.
It might be more time consuming, but it will help you save money.
8. Train Your Dog
Training your dog is essential for them but taking them to a dog training school can cost a lot of money. Thankfully there are many ways to save and still teach your dog obedience and some cool tricks along the way.
Investing in dog training books and online programmes can save you more money than taking them to an obedience school. Your dog may still need some professional training, but you’ll be ahead of the game and might not need to spend as much cash if your pooch has a head start at home.
This is also an excellent way to bond with your pet and build lasting trust with them.
Do you spend a lot of money on your pet? Got any other tips to save money on dog ownership? Let us know in the comments below!
